‘Why’s that?’ Hattie felt the same but didn’t really know why. She didn’t think he was a natural quizzer.
‘I like him. He’s cool.’
‘You know there’s a film calledCool Hand Luke?’
‘Is it good?’
‘I’ve never seen it. I’m no good at film or pop music.’
‘Pop music!’ said Xander disgustedly. ‘Who listens to that?’
Luckily Nick drove up before Hattie could expose herself to even more ridicule.
They were early, which meant they could still find space in a car park which was rapidly filling up.
‘There are obviously lots of people coming,’ said Nick. ‘Your friend will be pleased.’
‘I just hope she managed to get enough people. I’ve only rounded up five and she wanted two teams of six.’
‘It’s not your job to provide people for her teams,’ said Nick, possibly realising that Hattie felt responsible. ‘You’re only doing it out of kindness.’
‘Of course. Let’s go in.’
Sheila’s name was on a couple of tables, so Hattie claimed one of them. ‘I wonder if she’s got a sixth person for us?’ she said, knowing she was going to wangle it to be Fiona if she possibly could.
‘Glass of wine?’ asked Nick. ‘You may as well. And, Xander, what about you? Coke OK?’
As Xander nodded, Hattie replied, ‘One glass then. Red, please.’
‘I hope it’s drinkable,’ said Nick, and set off to the bar, which was a table covered with a cloth and various bottles of wine. Fiona had told her that Lance had donated six bottles. He had an excellent palate, apparently. With luck, she’d get a glass of the wine he had chosen.
Nick came back with the drinks. ‘I gathered from the women running the bar that Mrs Anstruther-Jones, who’s in charge, will fill up any teams with fewer than six members with random people who aren’t already on a team. Which is a bit like Russian roulette – they may be brilliant or they may not be.’
‘It will be more fun to have people we know,’ said Hattie, determined not to miss an opportunity for Nick and Fiona to meet.
‘Though maybe someone who’s a cricket expert could be useful.’
‘Maybe,’ said Hattie.
Rose and Sam arrived shortly after and Hattie made the introductions. She was pleased and relieved to see that Nick, who had seemed fairly grumpy when she first knew him, was being pleasant. He was brisk, yes, but not without charm.
Xander managed to make ‘hello’ noises and Rose and Sam kindly didn’t press him for more. Hattie could tell Rose was sizing Nick up. She was always trying to get Hattie paired up – she reckoned she owed her, and she wasn’t far wrong.
Everyone sat down to sip their drinks and nibble on the snacks, while looking at their watches.
‘I want to nab one of Sheila’s party,’ said Hattie. ‘But where are they? It’s nearly time to start.’
At that moment the door of the hall opened and a group of people came in, Sheila leading the pack. Hattie ran over.
‘Hi!’ she said enthusiastically. ‘Can I bag Fiona for our team? Luke couldn’t come unfortunately, so we’re one short.’
‘Fiona’s not really known for her general knowledge, is she?’ said Lance, giving his fiancée a squeeze. ‘So you’re welcome to her.’
‘Do you mind, Fiona? We’d be so grateful. That leaves you one short, I see, but Mrs Very Long Name will assign you someone at random.’
Lance laughed. ‘You’d probably do better with one of them than with my lovely Fifi here.’
Hattie hooked her arm through Fiona’s and was about lead her to her team when her eye was caught. ‘Oh!’ she said to Sheila’s friend. ‘What a pretty scarf!’
